Potty

Abstract

A potty upon which one can support an infant during excretion, the potty comprising: a basin for receiving waste excreted by the infant; a frontal shield for diverting urine into the basin; a back for facilitating positioning of the infant; and one or more supports extending outwardly relative to the basin configured to be supported on one's lap such that, in use, the basin is positioned between one's legs.

Description

[0001] POTTY

[0002] The disclosure of the complete specification of Australian provisional patent application no. 2024900204 as originally filed is incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] Disclosed herein is a potty. In particular, there is disclosed a potty upon which an infant can be supported during excretion.

[0005] BACKGROUND

[0006] It is common practice to begin toilet training children when they are about two to three years old, or perhaps 18 months at the earliest. As such, existing potties and other toilet training aids are sized and configured for toddlers who may already be able to walk or at least sit upright.

[0007] The present inventor has realised that it is possible to toilet train an infant as young as eight weeks old, and possibly much earlier. However, available potties are not designed or suitable for toilet training infants, not least because infants generally struggle to sit upright on their own. Even if one tried to train infants on existing potties, it can be difficult to position and support the infant on existing potties which are typically placed on the ground.

[0008] There is a need to address the above, and / or at least provide a useful alternative.

[0009] SUMMARY

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a potty upon which one can support an infant during excretion, the potty comprising: a basin for receiving waste excreted by the infant; a frontal shield for diverting urine into the basin; a back to facilitate positioning of the infant; and one or more supports extending outwardly relative to the basin configured to be supported on one’s lap such that, in use, the basin is positioned between one’s legs.

[0011] In certain embodiments, the one or more supports comprises two lateral supports, each extending outwardly from a respective side of the basin. For example, each lateral support may be configured to be received on a respective leg of one’s lap such that the basin is positioned between one’s legs and the frontal shield is spaced from one’s body.

[0012] The frontal shield may extend upwardly from a front of the basin and may be configured such that, in use, each of the infant’s legs straddles the frontal shield.

[0013] It is envisaged that the basin comprises gripping means via which the basin can be manually gripped to facilitate emptying of waste therefrom. In certain examples, the gripping means comprises one or more grooves formed in an exterior of the basin.

[0014] In at least one embodiment, the potty is integrally formed.

[0015] It is envisaged that the potty may be configured to be nested in another like potty. For example, the basin of the potty may be configured to nest within the basin of another like potty.

[0016] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of using a potty according to a first aspect of the present invention to capture waste excreted from an infant, the method comprising: positioning the one or more supports on one’s lap such that, in use, the basin is positioned between one’s legs with the frontal shield spaced from one’s body; and supporting an infant on the potty so that a leg is on each side of the frontal shield.

[0017] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] An embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0019] Figs. 1 A and 1 B are, respectively, top and bottom perspective views of a potty according to the presently disclosed subject matter;

[0020] Figs. 2A and 2B are, respectively, top and bottom views of the potty of Fig. 1A;

[0021] Figs. 3A and 3B are, respectively, front and rear views of the potty of Fig. 1 A; and

[0022] Fig. 4 is a side view of the potty of Fig. 1 A.

[0023] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Embodiments of the present potty are configured for use by an infant. Since infants typically cannot sit upright on their own, the present potty is configured such that one, such as a parent or guardian, can help to support the infant on the potty during excretion. To this end, embodiments of the present potty can be supported on and / or between one’s legs so that one’s hands are available to help support the infant on the potty. The potty is configured to aid in positioning the infant in a safe and natural position therefor, as opposed to training the infant to assume an unnatural or unsafe position. Additionally, while the potty can be used by an infant, such as a newborn up to 12 months old, the potty may also be used by children older than 12 months old, including toddlers who may be three years or older.

[0025] Embodiments of the presently disclosed potty comprise a basin for receiving waste excreted by the infant, and one or more supports extending outwardly relative to the basin and configured to be supported on one’s lap (e.g., while one is seated). In this way, one can maintain a position of the potty by supporting the or each support thereof on one’s legs. For example, each support of the potty could be supported on a top of a respective thigh. In use, the basin would be positioned between one’s legs. Of course, one may also consider squeezing the basin portion of the potty between one’s inner thighs, though this is not strictly necessary to maintain a position of the potty. In use, one’s hands thus remain available to help position the infant on the potty and prop them up during excretion thereinto. The potty may thus be utilised by parents and carers alike, including those who may be wheelchair bound. The present potty enables such individuals to be more involved in the potty training process since the present potty can be used while the adult is seated. An embodiment of the present potty will now be described with reference to the Figures.

[0026] The potty 2 comprises a basin 4 for receiving waste, such as urine and faeces, excreted by the infant. While the basin 4 can vary in shape and volume, it is preferable that the basin 4 is sized to comfortably contain urine and faeces that might be excreted by the infant in any an excretion session. Additionally, since the basin 4 is to be positioned between one’s legs, particularly when one is seated, the shape of the basin 4 is preferably such that it can be comfortably positioned and held between one’s inner thighs. In the depicted embodiment, the basin 4 comprises a pair of opposed side walls 6, each configured to be received against a respective one of one’s inner thighs during use. Referring to Fig. 2B, it can be seen that the side walls 6 taper outwardly away from one another toward a front of the potty 2. This tapering preferably corresponds to the outward tapering of the space between one’s inner thighs when one is seated. In this way, the side walls 6 of the basin 4 can be received comfortably between one’s inner thighs during use. The depicted basin portion 4 of the potty 2 also comprises a curved front wall 8, a curved rear wall 10, and a floor or base 12. The basin walls, 6, 8, 10 and base 12 thus substantially define the basin 4 for capturing waste excreted by an infant. In the depicted embodiment, the basin 4 comprises a generally continuous upper rim 12 which defines an upper end of the walls 6, 8, 10 of the basin 4.

[0027] The potty 2 also comprises a frontal shield 16 to help divert or direct excreted urine into the basin 4. The depicted potty 2 also comprises a back or backrest 18 to help with positioning the infant during excretion. The back 18 is preferably sufficiently low and contoured so that it does not obstruct the natural curvature of the infant’s lumbar and thoracic spine. In at least certain embodiments, a rear side of the infant can engage or butt against the back 18 of the potty 2 so as to be at least partially supported thereby. The back 18 of the potty 2 may function as a guide to help maintain the infant in their naturally huddled state, and / or to help prevent the infant from slipping backwards relative to the potty 2.

[0028] In the depicted embodiment, the frontal shield 16 and the back 18 of the potty 2 are defined, at least in part, by respective portions of the upper rim 14 of the basin 4. Referring to Fig. 1A, a front portion of the upper rim 14 projects further upwardly than adjacent portions of the rim 14 so as to form the frontal shield 16. Put another way, at least a portion of the front wall 8 of the basin 4 extends higher upwardly from the base 12 of the basin 4 as compared with the side walls 6 thereof so as to form the frontal shield 16. In this way, the frontal shield comprises or is in the form of a raised wall portion 16 that protrudes upwardly and, during use, is disposed between the infant’s legs. In this way, the frontal shield 16 of the basin 4 can help to divert or direct excreted urine that might otherwise project beyond the basin rim 14 into the basin 4.

[0029] A rear portion of the upper rim 14 of the basin 4 also projects further upwardly than adjacent portions of the rim 14 so as to define, at least in part, the back 18 of the potty 2 for supporting a rear side of the infant. Put another way, at least a portion of the rear wall 10 of the basin 4 extends higher upwardly from the base 12 of the basin 4 as compared with the side walls 6 thereof so as to form the back or back support 18 of the potty 2. During use, each of the infant’s legs can be positioned on a respective side of the frontal shield 16 and the infant's back may engage and be guided or supported by the back support 18 of the potty 2. For example, the back support 18 of the depicted potty 2 comprises a contoured wall shaped and sized to comfortably receive a rear (e.g., back) of the infant. In use, the infant would be positioned on the potty 2 such that their legs straddle the frontal shield 16 and at least a portion of their back engages against and is at least partially guided or supported by the back support 18 of the potty 2 so that the infant does not slip past the back 18 of the potty 2. Of course, one can also use one's hands to help stabilise and position the infant on the potty 2.

[0030] The potty 2 also comprises one or more supports 20 that extend outwardly relative to the basin 4. The one or more supports 20 are configured to be supported on one’s lap such that in use, the basin 4 of the potty 2 is positioned between one’s legs. In this way, one’s hands are free to hold and support the infant on the potty 2 during excretion. Conveniently, one can also further stabilise a position of the potty 2 by squeezing or holding the basin portion 4 of the potty 2 between one’s legs. Of course, the potty 2 can simply be supported on one’s legs via the supports 20 thereof and such squeezing of the basin 4 is optional. This is particularly advantageous for those who might be wheelchair bound or have reduced mobility. As such, one’s hands remain free to hold the infant in a relatively natural and energy-efficient position.

[0031] In the depicted embodiment, the potty 2 comprise two lateral supports 20, each of which extends outwardly from a respective side of the basin 4. With reference to Fig. 1 A, each lateral support member is like a wing 20 that protrudes outwardly from an upper end of the basin 4 in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the height of the basin 4. Each support member or wing 20 is configured to rest or be supported on a respective leg of one’s lap when one is seated so that the basin 4 can be positioned between one’s legs and held therebetween. In particular, the basin portion 4 of the potty 2 may be held between one’s inner thighs when seated. The potty may also comprise ribs or other stiffening or strengthening elements to help strengthen and reinforce a structure of the potty. For example, the depicted potty 2 comprises ribs 24 which extend outwardly from an upper end of each lateral sidewall 6 of the basin 4 and along an underside of each wing 20. The ribs 24 help to reduce the likelihood of the wings 20 breaking or snapping off from the basin 4 in response to inadvertent forces (e.g., if the potty 2 is dropped). Preferably, the potty 2 is made from a sufficiently resilient material such as a lightweight polymer so that the wings 20 can flex relative to the basin 4.

[0032] The potty 2 also comprises gripping means via which the basin 4 can be manually gripped to facilitate tipping or emptying of waste from the basin 4. In the depicted embodiment, the gripping means comprises a pair of vertically extending grooves 12 formed in an exterior wall of the basin towards a rear thereof, the grooves 12 being shaped and sized to receive the fingers and thumb of a user so that they can easily pick up and tilt the potty 2 forwards to facilitate emptying of the basin 4.

[0033] Many modifications to the presently disclosed subject matter will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the potty 2 may be configured so that it can readily nest in another like potty, and also nestably receive the like potty. In the depicted embodiment, the walls 6, 8, 10 of the basin 4 taper outwardly as one progresses upwardly from a base 12 thereof and are configured to fit into the tapered basin 4 of another like potty 2. Of course, the size and shape of the potty can vary from what is shown in the Figures, and it is envisaged an internal volume of the basin can vary between approximately 200mL to 750mL, though of course other volumes are within the scope of the present specification. Additionally, the lateral supports of the potty may also be formed with a curvature corresponding to that of the upper portion of one’s thighs. Embodiments of the present potty may thus be used relatively hands-free, which contrasts with existing potties which one may need to manually support beneath an infant during use.

[0034] While the Figures show an integrally formed potty, the potty may of course be made from one or more parts. For example, it is envisaged that the one or more support members may be selectively disconnected or detached from the basin portion so that the potty can be better adapted for a toddler to sit on. This may increase the useful life of the potty since the same potty may be used by one’s child from infancy through to their toddler years. It is also envisaged that the back of the potty may be padded for comfort, and the potty may include a pan that fits into the basin portion which can be manually removed therefrom to facilitate waste disposal.

[0035] It is also envisaged that the potty may be used on a regular toilet - for example, during the process of having a child become more familiar with sitting on and using a regular toilet. In such use cases, the lateral supports or wings of the potty may rest on respective sides of the toilet bowl or toilet seat thereon such that the basin portion of the potty sits or projects into the empty bowl portion of the toilet. A child who is already familiar with using the potty may thus consider it less intimidating and more comfortable to then sit on the toilet with the potty already in place, and thereby grow increasingly familiar with sitting on the regular toilet itself so that the step of using a regular toilet on its own constitutes is not as big a leap from using the potty.

[0036] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, and variations such as “comprises” and “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A potty upon which one can support an infant during excretion, the potty comprising: a basin for receiving waste excreted by the infant; a frontal shield for diverting urine into the basin; a back for facilitating positioning of the infant; and one or more supports extending outwardly relative to the basin configured to be supported on one’s lap such that, in use, the basin is positioned between one’s legs.

2. The potty of claim 1 , wherein the one or more supports comprises two lateral supports, each extending outwardly from a respective side of the basin.

3. The potty of claim 2, wherein each lateral support is configured to be received on a respective leg of one’s lap such that the basin is positioned between one’s legs and the frontal shield is spaced from one’s body.

4. The potty of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frontal shield extends upwardly from a front of the basin and is configured such that, in use, each of the infant’s legs straddles the frontal shield.

5. The potty of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the basin comprises gripping means via which the basin can be manually gripped to facilitate emptying of waste therefrom.

6. The potty of claim 5, wherein the gripping means comprises one or more grooves formed in an exterior of the basin.

7. The potty of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the potty is integrally formed.

8. The potty of any one of the preceding claims, configured to be nested in another like potty.

9. The potty of claim 8, wherein the basin thereof is configured to nest within the basin of the like potty.

10. A method of using a potty according to any one of the preceding claims to capture waste excreted from an infant, the method comprising: positioning the one or more supports on one’s lap such that, in use, the basin is positioned between one’s legs with the frontal shield spaced from one’s body; and supporting an infant on the potty such that a leg is on each side of the frontal shield.

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